A short ways below that mantle, standing below the crack that splits a small bulge, I was placing gear when I heard movement from below. My belayer was too far away for it to be from him so, I curiously turned to see "what" it was. To my surprise, a young guy, in yellow Birdwell-like shorts, no shirt, and in his Fires, was climbing up behind me! I had never met John Bachar, nor did I ever, even up to his death, but he didn't look like the pictures that I had in my head of JB! Maybe it was John, but I still don't think it was to this day.

"Do you mind if I pass?" he asked. Of course I stepped aside and watched him cruise through the bulge and then made short work of the crux mantle above! It was awesome, yet somewhat nerve-wracking to witness this for this was my first, and only, experience of soloing up close and personal.